📍 Vulkanland Steiermark

Vulkanland Steiermark (“Volcano Land Styria”) is a wine zone in south-eastern Austria, in eastern Styria, near the borders with Slovenia and Hungary. It is part of Styria. The zone is named for extinct volcanoes whose remains became hills with dark basalt and tuff soils.

The climate is warm, influenced by the Pannonian plain, but with cool nights and enough rain. Volcanic soils give mineral wines with slender acidity. The wines are aromatic with bright fruit.

Mostly white grapes are grown: Sauvignon Blanc, Welschriesling (Italian Riesling), Pinot Blanc, Chardonnay (also called Morillon in Styria) and Traminer. The village of Klöch is especially known for its spicy, aromatic Traminer. Reds play a smaller role.

The local DAC Vulkanland Steiermark was introduced with the 2018 vintage. Wines are graded by origin: regional, village and single-vineyard levels. South lies South Styria, also known for Sauvignon, and across the border Slovenian Styria. White wines go well with fish, asparagus and light dishes, and Styrian pumpkin-seed oil complements local cooking.